Lionel Messi could make a sensational return to FC Barcelona in January if Inter Miami fail to advance to the MLS playoffs.
Barcelona were interested in signing Messi during the 2023 summer transfer window before the Argentine opted to join Inter Miami.
Reports indicate that there could be a possible loan move on the card for Lionel Messi from the Blaugrana side, although both parties are yet to discuss a potential deal for Lionel Messi.
What the move of Lionel Messi could offer to Barcelona
The possible loan signing of the 36-year-old would provide a massive boost for Barcelona, commercially and footballing-wise.
He has made his presence felt in the United States Of America, since joining Inter Miami on July 15, 2023.
Messi has contributed largely to Inter Miami’s success in the past few months, leading the club to 2 cup finals and winning 1.
The former Paris Saint Germain forward has scored 11 goals and provided 5 assists in 12 appearances for the Miami-based club.
The 36-year-old was present in the Leagues Cup final, and he helped Tata Martino’s side defeat Nashville 10-9 on penalties, after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
However, Lionel Messi has been absent from Inter Miami’s recent matches due to a muscle injury, and he was absent from their US Open Cup final against Houston Dynamo.
Inter Miami were defeated by Houston Dynamo 2-1 in the Open Cup final, and the unavailability of Messi in the clash was felt.
Anyway, he might be in for a return to Barcelona, taking advantage of a possible break that could arise if his club does not make it to the MLS playoffs.
Previously, this opportunity has been exploited by David Beckham and Thierry Henry, who joined AC Milan and Arsenal respectively.
Beckham left Los Angeles Galaxy to join AC Milan on a 6-month loan deal on January 7, 2009.
Thierry Henry left New York Red Bulls on January 6, 2012, to join Arsenal on a 2-month loan deal.
Are Inter Miami feeling the absence of Messi?
Meanwhile, Inter Miami have been feeling the absence of Lionel Messi, as they have won only one of their last 6 matches.
Messi didn’t feature in 5 of those games, and coincidentally, the game he had 37 minutes of action in is the only game they have won.
Tata Martino’s side lost 5-2 to Atlanta United, before defeating Toronto FC 4-0 with the Argentine featuring in the last quarter of the match.
A Messi-less Inter Miami also drew 1-1 with Orlando City, before losing 1-2 to Houston Dynamo in the US Open Cup final.
The Miami-based club also drew 1-1 with New York City FC, before losing to Chicago Fire on Thursday, October 5, 2023.
Lionel Messi is expected to return from injury in October 2023, and his availability for action can’t come soon enough for Tata Martino’s side.
